J&K Panchayat elections: Voting underway amid tight security

Jammu: In Jammu and Kashmir, polling for the first phase of Panchayat elections is going on smoothly amidst tight security. The polling which began at 8 am will end at 2 PM. The elections are being held in nine phases across the state.

In Jammu division, the polling started at a brisk note with people standing in queues at many places in border districts of Poonch, Rajouri and Kathua.

In the Kashmir region, around 20 per cent votes were cast by 11 AM. Polling is being held in 16 blocks spreading over six districts of central and north Kashmir.

In Leh district of Ladakh region, 27 percent of voting was registered by 12 pm in all the six blocks of the district. With the improvement of weather from the bone biting cold weather conditions prevailing during the morning hours, the number of voters has started to increased.

Our correspondent reports that 12 Panchayat of the 32 spread in the six blocks have already declared unopposed and the election is being held only 20 Panchayat.